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MDRO Questions and Answers

Why do I have to be in isolation?

At Rhode Island Hospital, we place patients in isolation to stop the spread of MDRO from one patient to another patient. All hospital staff must wear gowns and gloves when they enter your room so they will not get MDRO on their clothes or hands. All persons who enter your room must wash their hands before entering and upon leaving. All equipment that is used for your care must stay in your room or be cleaned before it is taken out and used on another patient. Regular linens and dishes are used because dishes and linen from all patients are cleaned in a way that will destroy MDROs.

How long must I stay in isolation?

The Department of Epidemiology and Infection Control will determine how long you must remain in isolation. However, our current policy is to keep most patients with a MDRO infection in isolation during their hospital stay and if they are readmitted.

Can I leave my room?

You may leave your room for testing. If the doctor allows you to leave your bed, you may walk in the hall if you wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol gel before you leave the room and you wear a clean gown. Please do not sit in the lounge or waiting areas.

May I have visitors?

Your family and friends may visit. Your visitors have the option of wearing gowns and gloves, but they may not leave your room while wearing them. Visitors may not use your bathroom. Before they leave, visitors must leave their gowns and gloves in your room and wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol hand gel.

Can I go home if I have a MDRO?

You can go home if you have a MDRO. People who are at risk of getting sick from a multi-drug resistant organism are patients who are ill with other diseases, have some type of medical device (tubes, drains) or those who have had recent surgery. Any or all of these factors make them more likely to get infections. Proper hand washing and good personal hygiene are the best ways to prevent the spread of a MDRO. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, before you eat and before and after you handle any bandages or tubes. Others living in your home and anyone who may be assisting you need to do the same. Clean and disinfect your home often, especially the bathroom. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors and clothing.